Protests continue
Egypt is now in its 18th day of protests, and President Hosni Mubarak is not backing down. The Army is backing Mubarak, according to the New York Times this morning.
 
"It was not clear whether the military’s position would satisfy demonstrators who have previously cast the military as an ally and who want Mr. Mubarak to leave immediately — a demand the military did not come close to supporting in a statement on Friday after a meeting of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces," the article says.
 
Foreclosure crisis
The recession is technically over, but some problems that led to it aren't letting up, according to today's Star Tribune.
 
"During 2010 almost 26,000 Minnesota homeowners packed up their houses, gave their keys back to the bank and watched their houses be sold at a sheriff's sale. It was an 11 percent increase over the previous year, the second-highest number on record and four times what it was in 2005, according to data compiled by HousingLink for the Minnesota Home Ownership Center."
 
Unemployment explained
Speaking of the economy, the Christian Science Monitor, through MinnPost, takes a closer look at who pays for unemployment benefits.
 
"The Obama administration is trying to change the way the unemployment insurance system is funded," the article says. "The administration claims that its plan — to be unveiled when President Obama proposes his 2012 budget on Monday — prevents a tax increase on business and helps cash-strapped states. Republicans call it a "job-destroying” tax hike on business and a bailout for states that are overly generous with their jobless benefits. Here are some fundamental questions and answers concerning how the unemployment insurance system works."
 
Smoking ban
Remember when the smoking ban went into effect? As it turns out, more Minnesotans are changing their attitudes about smoking as a result, according to the Star Tribune this morning.
 
"That finding was revealed in a survey Thursday by the Minnesota Department of Health. It suggests that the state's controversial 2007 indoor smoking ban has produced a dramatic shift in Minnesotans' thinking on the hazards of cigarette smoke," the article says.
 
Surly expansion
Are you going to have a beer this weekend? If you drink Surly, you might be interested in this: They want to build a $20 million brewery.
 
"The Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association says it'll fight Surly's proposal, and both sides are already skirmishing at the Capitol. Surly founder and president Omar Ansari, 40, isn't deterred, saying he has a vision for his five-year-old beer company," Minnesota Public Radio explains.
 
"...His proposal calls for a 60,000-square-foot brewery and restaurant with a beer garden, roof deck and bar. Ansari said the project would create around 85 construction jobs and 150 permanent jobs.
 
Last year, Ansari said his business was up 32 percent over 2009, and to meet demand he needs to expand his capacity. He said he believes there is an appetite for destination breweries in the Twin Cities.
 
But Surly is too big under Minnesota law to sell beer on the premises, so the company wants to change the law."
 
Valentine's Day
If you haven't made plans for Valentine's Day yet, we have a story up right now about a comedy show at Bub's in Winona happening Monday.